4 Reasons to Crate Train Your Dog

Many people are worried about using a crate as a tool when they are getting a new dog. However, contrary to what you may believe, crates can be an effective tool for many reasons, and can keep your pet happier in the long run. Keep reading to find out why you should crate train your dog; young, old, or somewhere in-between!

Convenience

You should never crate train your dog just so you can keep your dog in their crate for most of the day. However, it can be very beneficial for you if your canine can be left in their crate while you are busy, or while everyone is sleeping a night. Crate training also makes it easier if you ever decide to travel with your dog and need to keep them in their crate while you do.

Keeping your dog calm

Your canine will be much happier staying in their crate than you might think. Many behavioral trainers and veterinarians recommend crate training as staying in a crate can be comforting for dogs. The small space allows your canine a safe location to hide or relax when stressed. This space of their own can keep them from becoming anxious and scared, too. When you crate train your pup, make sure to always positively reinforce their entrance into the crate. This will help them associate their crate with a positive experience.

Potty training

Crate training your dog can be used in conjunction with potty training. When potty training your puppy or dog, a crate can help you teach them when and where is ok for going potty. Your dog will avoid going potty where they sleep, so if you train them to sleep in their kennel, they will avoid going potty inside it. This will help you keep their potty breaks on a schedule and can even help them understand that inside the house is not a place to go potty.

Protecting your home, and your pet!

When dogs have a negative association with small spaces or confined areas, crates must be used carefully and after other forms of confinement have been considered. Sometimes dogs can hurt themselves or destroy furniture if left alone. This is another case where a crate can come in handy. If your pet doesn’t have any issues with being in a crate, they can be left there while you need to leave in order to keep them from tearing up your home. Make sure to work them up to spending longer amounts of time in their kennels, they can’t spend all night and all day in their kennels. If you can, work with a canine behavioral expert on how to manage a dog that harms themselves or your home when alone or anxious.